All Aboard: Junk Boat Fashion Inspiration

The coolest junk clothing for the high seas!

Yahoooo junk season is back! I know it’s still raining but heck, that’s just the way it is in the 852, so don’t let the weather rain on your parade (insert drum motion and a big old badoom psh) – it’s time to embrace the best part of Hong Kong summer: junk boats! Having moved here a year ago at the start of the season (and going on my fair share of aquatic party cruises), it’s safe to say I have been waiting for the return of junkin’ for a while. Junk parties are the BEST. You’re on a boat with your friends, drinks, food and funky beats. Grab a pool noodle or two and get ready for the inevitable big jump off the top deck – what’s not to love?

However, there is one little factor that could cause some panic. WHAT DO YOU WEAR?

Luckily for you, I’ve done my research (all on site, of course, because I’m a professional) and there are some easy tips to cracking junk boat style this season. First off, you’re going to be drinking and swimming, so let’s start with a seemingly obvious suggestion: waterproof mascara. If you’re going to be wearing any make up at all, which is of course totally optional given how relaxed and fun junk boats are. You (should) spend most of your day floating on top of a brightly coloured pool noodle so there is no need to be too done up. But if you do want to save face, make sure you’re using waterproof/resistant products so that you don’t come out of the water looking like a bad Snapchat filter.

Next up is of course your swimwear. A byline of fashion no more, swimwear has grown in leaps and bounds and there are SO many options now – from really sexy one pieces to teeny tiny bikinis and everything in between; here are some styles to keep you afloat…

Sporty/Active

These are the bikinis that allow you to be a little more energetic. The high-neck is a big trend and keeps you intact when you’re tapping into your inner fearless five year old and jumping off the top of the junk boat. And by no means does sporty = boy-ish or boring, you can still be hella sexy in this look.

One Piece

No longer only your granny’s beachwear option; one pieces have turned into a MAJOR trend and everyone from Prada to Victoria’s Secret and H&M has adopted the idea that leaving something to the imagination can also be beautiful. This is where interesting details will come into play – so think zip up busts, low low lowwwwwww backs and strategically placed cutouts or mesh insets. Plus a wide range of prints, textures and silhouettes to create dynamic appeal to what was deemed frumpy up until not so long ago.

Itsy Bitsy Peek-A-Boo

Okay, it’s time to address sizing. Swimwear has certainly evolved over the years, but it has also seemingly vanished in terms of size and cut and a lack of material is nothing new anymore. There’s a reason that song was so damn popular, because the itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny bikini is here and it is here to stay. Cut out swimwear has also become a hugely popular look on runways from Brazil to The States, and add a definite level of sex appeal to your ensemble. Wear these with confidence and conviction, and make sure your piece is the right size because no one wants to the girl that popped out of her bikini. Shame.

Texture

New fabrics have also emerged onto the swimwear scene, and an intimate relationship between the world of surfing and fashion has no doubt been an influence on this. We’ve seen crochet swimwear for a little while now, but think neo-prene (wetsuit material), pleather, recycled plastics and other sustainable materials and lace. Take a risk and be bold.

But of course, there is some time spent out of the water so your outfit and accessories are also key elements on a junk. You want to look laid back, youthful and like you’re there to have fun. Because you are. Off the shoulder dresses, rompers/playsuits and the classic denim cut-offs are all stylish sailor choices. But you can also be a little more adventurous and wear a maxi dress or ankle-grazing skirt with a thigh high slit and cami.

A lace or crochet cover up are totally acceptable – and it is ok for people to see your swimsuit underneath it all. Sarongs are always a winner – they’re so easy to style, in several ways and also double up as a towel just in case you had a bender the night before and forgot what to pack.

And please, if there is a theme – try to dress the part! No one likes the kid in the corner who didn’t play nice. Put in some effort – hosting a junk boat is no easy feat and if the person in charge has asked you to be a part of something, do try to participate. Even if it is just with a colour, a print (floral being the obvious choice) a piece of head gear or accessories, get involved.

Most of all: be comfortable and aware of the fact that this is a PARTY so you want to feel like a good time. Stick to easy, lightweight materials and slide-right-out-of footwear, throw on some reflective sunnies and a big hat and you’re ready to get crunk on a junk. You’ve almost got your boating outfit ready, but…

DO NOT FORGET SUNSCREEN! Even if it is a typical cloudy Hong Kong day, your skin is your greatest accessory so keep it protected.

Off you go, Captain.

Sharethispost:

Nina Brooklyn Brown

Nina is a proudly South African blogger currently living and teaching in Hong Kong. She believes that you can find beauty in everything and that a good cup of tea can solve any problem. Be warned, she'll make you wait to eat your food so that she can take a picture of it first. You can usually find Nina gallivanting through the city looking for a good food, cool art and an even better party! Most of all, Nina believes that life is what you make it and that the best magic comes from the people you're with.